Critics Choice Awards 2026: "Sinners" tops the nominations with 11 nods, while Leonardo's "One Battle After Another" comes next.

Washington DC [US], December 6: According to Variety, Warner Bros, soon to be acquired by Netflix, dominated the 31st Critics Choice Awards nominations on the film side with Paul Thomas Anderson's 'One Battle After Another' and Ryan Coogler's 'Sinners'.

Swati Bhat

'Sinners' led all films with 17 nominations, including best picture, director for Ryan Coogler, actor for Michael B. Jordan, supporting actress for Wunmi Mosaku, and numerous craft categories such as cinematography, production design, costume, editing, visual effects, sound, and hair and makeup. Close behind, Paul Thomas Anderson's 'One Battle After Another' received 14 nominations, including four for acting. Meanwhile, 'Frankenstein' and 'Hamnet' each garnered 11 nominations, highlighting the top tier of contenders that combine studio strength with auteur distinction. Notably, 'Wicked: For Good' secured seven nominations, including best picture and supporting actress for Ariana Grande, yet the absence of Cynthia Erivo in the best actress category was a surprising omission. The organization introduced four new competitive categories this year: sound, stunt design, casting, and ensemble for film, along with variety series for television. Chelsea Handler will host for the fourth consecutive year. With approximately 575 voting members, the Critics Choice Awards often mirror broader industry trends, providing insight into which films have resonated with critics. The Critics Choice Awards annually recognize exceptional achievements in film and television. Bob Bain Productions and Berlin Entertainment will serve as executive producers. The 31st annual Critics Choice Awards will be broadcast live on E! on Sunday, January 4, 2026.

Captivating Red Carpet Moments at IFFI 2025 Closing Ceremony

Pritish Bagdi

Thaliva Rajnikanth

Director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra

Actor Ranveer Singh

Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui

Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Pramod Sawant

MD NFDC Shri Prakash Makduu

MoS MIB Shri L. Murugan

Secretary MIB Shri Sanjay Jaju with his wife Jyoti Somani

Actor Rishab Shetty

Amit Sadh, And Cast Introduce Akhri Sawal Teaser At IFFI Closing Event

#iffi #iffi2025 #event #entertainment #nfdc #esg #informationandbroadcast #redcarpet #ceremony #celebrity

Iconic Bike of "Sholay" at IFFI 2025 premises is actually a War Bike!!!

Mr. Hemant Nimbalkar, a co-owner of this cinematic nostalgia, provided Swati Bhat with some exclusive insights on the iconic bike from the film "Sholay" and Jai and Veeru's Off-Screen love for this machine!

Swati Bhat

Iconic Sholay Motorcycle Shines at IFFI 2025: The 1942 BSA WM20 Draws Fans, Nostalgia, and Tribute to one of the most beloved, handsome, and legendary actors of all time, Shri Dharmendra (Dharmendra Singh Deol), who was also honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2012.

The legendary 1942 BSA WM20 motorcycle, immortalised in the timeless friendship anthem “Yeh Dosti…” from the 1975 Bollywood classic Sholay, is once again capturing hearts — this time at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025 in Goa. Far from the rugged Ramanagara hills where it once sped across the screen with Jai and Veeru, the vintage war-time bike now stands as a shimmering tribute to a film that defined Indian pop culture.

Showcased by the Karnataka Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), the motorcycle has been preserved with extraordinary care for over 83 years. Its appearance at IFFI comes at an especially emotional moment, following the recent passing of Dharmendra, whose unforgettable performance in Sholay shaped generations of cinema lovers.

A Treasure Preserved Through Decades

A/V by Pritish Bagdi

Owned by Mr. L.K. Atheeq of Bengaluru, former Additional Chief Secretary and Chairperson of the Bengaluru Business Corridor, the BSA WM20 is more than a collector’s item. It is a moving piece of cinematic and military history. Featuring a 350cc engine, the motorcycle was originally manufactured as a wartime model. Where the ‘W’ in WM20 stands for ‘War’. Production of this model ended in 1950, making surviving units extraordinarily rare.

Mr. Atheeq acquired the bike three years ago and invested significantly in restoring it with original BSA parts sourced from across the world. “People often mistake it for a Bullet,” he joked, noting its classic design and robust frame. Only one component, the oil filter is yet to be replaced, and is expected to arrive later this year.

Despite its age, the bike remains fully operational. “Just the sidecar couldn’t be reattached; that’s my only regret,” said Mr. Hemant, who has closely overseen the preservation efforts. “Otherwise, the motorcycle is very much in running condition.”

A Bike That Captured Real-Life Friendship Too

Beyond its on-screen legacy, the BSA WM20 also holds a special place in the personal memories of the stars themselves. Late Shri Dharmendra and Mr. Amitabh Bachchan were known to love roaming around on this very motorcycle even after their shoot pack-ups. The duo shared a warm, genuine bond with the bike much like the unforgettable friendship of Jai and Veeru. They created countless off-screen memories riding it together, reinforcing its status as a symbol of true companionship both on and off the set.

This emotional connection makes the bike’s appearance at IFFI 2025 even more meaningful, serving as a reminder of the deep camaraderie that defined one of Indian cinema’s most iconic partnerships.

A Tribute to Sholay’s 50-Year Legacy

For Mr. Hemant Nimbalkar, Additional Director General of Police and Commissioner of DIPR, the display is both nostalgic and symbolic. “We wanted to commemorate 50 years of Sholay with something that would appeal to people’s memories,” he said. “No place other than Bengaluru could do it, as the movie was shot around here.”

Visitors at IFFI have been flocking to the bike, capturing photos and asking the same question: “Does it still run?”Nimbalkar feels proud every time he replies: “Yes, the 83-year-old motorcycle is very much in running condition.”

A Bridge Between Eras

The motorcycle, registered as MYB 3047 in the erstwhile Mysore State, has journeyed through generations. Originally belonging to a Karnataka family, it was passed down from grandfather to grandson before becoming part of Atheeq’s cherished collection. His own bond with the film runs deep. He remembers travelling from Akkirampura in Koratagere taluk and waiting five long hours outside Bengaluru’s Kapali Theatre to watch Sholay as a kid.

Today, the BSA WM20 stands proudly at IFFI 2025, merging the past with the present. Flashing a gleaming symbol of friendship, heritage, and Karnataka’s quiet yet pivotal role in shaping one of the India’s greatest cinematic masterpieces.

With the passing of Shri Dharmendra, the motorcycle’s presence offers a heartfelt tribute to the star whose warmth, charm and screen magic continue to live on just like the unforgettable ride of Jai and Veeru.

#entertainment #iffi #iffi2025 #event #art #nostalgia #amitabhbachchan #sholay #dharmendra